HAVAS Just:: launches new 2018 pro bono programme for charities focused on loneliness

HAVAS Just:: has announced the launch of its annual pro bono campaign, A Just:: Cause, which will focus on combating loneliness and social isolation in the UK. The health communications agency has invited 13 UK charities to apply for £50,000 free communications support to help achieve their goals.

“We are passionate about collaborating with the charity sector. This year we are working with charities tackling loneliness and social isolation. After reading the Jo Cox Loneliness: start a conversation report, we wanted to be part of the solution and make a contribution. This issue, which affects physical and mental health, touches so many people, regardless of age, gender or social circumstance,” said Cat Barnett, Director at Havas Just::.

It has been estimated that over nine million people in the UK are either always or often lonely. Loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Loneliness is a complex, multi-factorial, cross-generational issue. 43% of 17-25 year olds surveyed by Action for Children experienced problems with loneliness. Eight in 10 carers have felt lonely or isolated as a result of looking after a loved one. 50% of disabled people will be lonely on any given day. Over half of parents have had a problem with loneliness. 58% of migrants and refugees in London described loneliness and isolation as their biggest challenge. For 3.6 million people aged 65 years old, television is their main form of company. More than one in three people aged 75 years and over say that feelings of loneliness are out of their control.

Loneliness is impacting health services, with three out of four GPs saying they see between one and five people in a day who have come in mainly because they are lonely, and one in ten GPs sees between six and 10 such patients daily.

The deadline for charity submissions is 12 May 2018, and is open to all UK charities tackling loneliness and social isolation. HAVAS Just:: will then announce the chosen charity in June and host a planning meeting to map out the scope of support required.

HAVAS Just:: has a long tradition of charitable support. To date, the agency has worked with Beating Bowel Cancer, Family Planning Association, Food for Life and Central YMCA amongst others. Work on the Beat It Now! campaign with Meningitis Now was Highly Commended at the 2015 Communiqué awards, in the Excellence in Communications – Payers/Policy Makers category.

To learn more about the 2018 A Just:: Cause programme or for more information on how you can get involved, please contact: justask@havas.com.

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